Exploring new casino sites is certainly a highlight of working in this industry. I always find it interesting to check out what clever strategies operators implement to make their shiny new platforms stand out.
How innovative technology is used to make our overall gameplay more immersive and engaging, and how a casino structures its bonuses and promotions to make them more rewarding and appealing.
As new online casino sites emerge, I vet them and add those I deem worthy to the list of my picks for the best online casino options in the UK based on specific assessment criteria. Let’s start with what’s new in the UK.
100% bonus up to £100 & 50 free spins
on Diamonds of the Realm when you make your first deposit.
Why play at new online casinos
There are heaps of reasons to try new casino sites: to cash in on welcome bonuses, to see how competition is driving innovation, to keep your options open, to expand your horizons, or simply because a change is as good as a holiday…
What matters most is that you properly scrutinise a casino site before handing over all your details. You don’t want to fall into a cyber trap or sign up for something beyond your means as a player, so it’s worth doing your homework and comparing what’s out there. Better still, let me at Simon Says do it for you.
New online casinos: can you trust them?
One concern about new online casino sites is that there is limited information available about them. So, a question I get asked a lot is how you can tell if an online casino is trustworthy, especially when it’s new to the market.
This is when I tell you it’s best to trust the good old British legal system. The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is one of the most reputable regulatory agencies in the industry.
We have a fantastic legal framework for gambling that is designed to protect us as consumers. It’s a robust system that holds regulators to the strictest regulations, and I, for one, will only trust online casinos that are licenced and regulated here in the UK.
Simon Says: Although it’s possible to access some online casino sites that aren’t licenced in the UK by using VPNs, I don’t think it’s worth it. There are many great options here to play with peace of mind. Why take the risk with an offshore operator?
Popular games at new online casinos
You should expect the gaming content at any new online casino to be up to date with the latest releases from the industry’s most popular game providers. From live casino game shows from Evolution and Playtech Live to the latest adventure slots from ELK Studios, Hacksaw, and Games Global’s army of development studios.
Part of working in the industry is always knowing all the latest releases, which games are making waves, and which have been tipped to win awards, so it’s important to see these names in the casino lobby so I can try them out for myself.
At the time of writing, the following slots have already started making a stir and are probably ones to watch as the year progresses:
| Game Name | Provider | Max Win |
| Tombstone Slaughter El Gordo’s Revenge | Nolimit City | 500,000x |
| Ancient Island Megaways | Pragmatic Play | 10,000x |
| Big Stack Lumberjack | Print Studios | 20,000x |
| Strength of Hercules | Hacksaw Gaming | 10,000x |
| Dead, Dead, or Deader | Nolimit City | 19,349x |
Whether you love the high-volatility excitement of slot machines, going head-to-head with your fellow players at the poker tables, or the immersive fun of live casino games, there’s plenty to get excited about at new online casinos.
Simon’s new online casino review process
I can’t promise I’ll get to each new site before you do, so if you do encounter a new online casino that I haven’t had the chance to review yet, you can follow my 20-point review process to assess the site yourself and determine if it’s a good fit for you.
- UKGC licensing: You should find an operator’s license details in the website footer.
- SSL website encryption: Check this in the address bar–look for the ‘https’ or padlock icon.
- Welcome bonus: Find a bonus offer that suits you as a player with terms that are easy enough to meet.
- Ongoing promotions: I love a good freebie, so I will always check to see how an operator rewards me for returning to their site.
- Fair terms & conditions: A generous bonus is one thing, but the wagering terms, validity periods, and payout restrictions must be fair and suited to your needs as a player.
- Loyalty rewards: Again, with such fierce competition, you should find some decent loyalty rewards.
- Gaming content: Check what’s in the casino lobby. If you’re an avid fan of live casino games, for example, and an operator doesn’t have any, it’s best to move on and find something else.
- Game providers: Look out for the developers you favour, but seeing the names Pragmatic, NetEnt, Games Global, etc., is a great sign that the operator is reputable.
- Gamification: This is a personal preference, but I like the option to win extra prizes through slot tournaments, competitions, and other tasks and challenges.
- Demo slots: Trialling the gameplay before committing your account balance is a wonderful option to include, so seeing free-to-play games is always a winner in my book.
- Software and platform performance: Nobody wants to deal with sluggish software, frozen games, or lost connections, so I always look for the most reliable platforms.
- Overall user experience: This covers everything from branding and colour palettes to navigation and quick link options.
- Banking options: It’s important that an operator offers a good selection of banking methods and that transactions are fee-free, with low minimum deposits.
- Withdrawing winnings: Making a deposit is one thing; withdrawing your winnings is something else entirely. Check withdrawal limits, quick payment times, and methods available.
- Transaction security: While this should be a no-brainer, you’d be kicking yourself if you entered all your banking details on an insecure server.
- Customer support: I look for 24/7 support, UK phone numbers, live chat, and things like that, so you know you can reach the support team easily if you need their help.
- Privacy policy: Read through the privacy policy, or certainly key areas of it, so you know what they’re doing to protect your data.
- Mobile compatibility: I’d rather play slots on my phone and table games on the desktop, so I look for seamless transitions between them. Native apps are a bonus.
- Responsible gambling: It’s important to see operators doing their part to help protect players from the potential negative effects of gambling online and provide the necessary tools to help you gamble responsibly.
- Reputation: Don’t just take my word for it, read up on what other players are saying and check out how the operator’s reputation holds up. You know you’ve found a trustworthy site if they’re full of awards.
Simon Says: Never underestimate the power of word-of-mouth. In my experience, there’s no better way to get an honest assessment than by asking someone you know who has had experience with the product. This is what makes sites like Reddit such a goldmine for checking a site’s reputation.
How to register at a new casino in the UK
When you find a new online casino that you’d like to join, you can follow these simple steps to register for a new account today and start reaping the rewards of playing at one of the UK’s latest online casino offerings:
- Pick one of the new casino sites from my list above and follow the link to the operator’s sign-up page.
- Check to see what’s required to claim your welcome bonus, such as entering a bonus code, opting into the offer, or making a minimum deposit. Make a note of it, as you’ll need it later.
- Fill in your details as requested, including name, contact info, DOB, residential address, etc. This info will be used to verify your ID and eligibility to register. You may be required to provide further ID documentation, but that’s a good sign as it shows the operator is doing their due diligence.
- Verify your account as required—this may require you to enter a code from your phone or click on an email link—then log in and head to the cashier.
- Choose a payment method that suits your needs from the options available and place your first deposit. Remember to check if a minimum deposit is required to claim your bonus.
- That’s it, you’re all set. Now it’s time to have some fun.
Simon’s pros & cons of new online casinos
In the table below, I’ve summarised the pros and cons of registering an account with a new online casino compared to opting for a well-established casino brand:
| Pros | Cons |
| Offer competitive bonuses | Lack of historical data |
| Use the latest technology | Smaller game lobbies |
| Compatible with all modern platforms | |
| Built for mobile play |
Final thoughts
While it’s always fun checking out the latest contenders to enter the race, don’t forget about the old faithfuls. Some of the biggest names in online casinos here in the UK offer the most generous rewards, the largest game lobbies, or access to the most jackpot slots.
That being said, these new operators have the benefit of seeing where these giants have come before them, learning from their predecessors’ mistakes, and starting with a reliable, tried, and tested platform. So, there are benefits to both options.
My advice? Dip your toes into these trusted new casino sites today and see what suits you best.
New Casinos FAQs
What are the best new casino sites in the UK?
In my opinion, the best new casino sites are those licensed by the UKGC that show clear transparency and have fair terms. Read the article above to discover my picks for the best new casinos in the UK.
Can I claim a welcome bonus at a new online casino?
Yes, many online casinos offer generous welcome bonuses for new players registering for an account. Head to the site’s promos page to find all the details, and don’t forget to check the T&Cs before claiming.
How to tell if a new casino is legit?
You can follow my tips above for what to check when assessing the legitimacy of new online casinos, like licensing, website security, and independent audits from trusted industry bodies.
Can I play with crypto at new online casinos in the UK?
While you can find online casino sites in the UK that accept crypto payments, UKGC-licensed casinos are unable to accept cryptocurrencies due to strict rules regarding financial transactions. I advise sticking to sites licensed by the UKGC and using the payment methods accepted.
Do new online casinos offer promotions and loyalty rewards?
Yes, if there’s one thing that stands out about online casinos compared to their land-based counterparts, it’s the plethora of bonuses and special promos that offer exciting ways to boost your balance.
Is there a limit to how many new online casinos I can register with?
No, there is no limit, but it’s advisable not to spread yourself too thin and risk losing track of your accounts and how much you are spending. I advise sticking to a manageable number of accounts and setting deposit limits at each site.